Sher Bahadur Deuba Returns Home After Five Months, Opens Up on ‘Hindu Lobby’ Support
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After five months abroad, former Prime Minister and former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Nepal and declared at his faction’s gathering that he stands for Hindu identity and Sanatan Dharma.
Having led the government five times and regarded as a key figure in political equations before the Jana Andolan II, Deuba’s recent comments on religion and identity from the political stage have been analyzed by experts as an attempt to gain advantage from the Hindu lobby.
A political scientist pointed out that Deuba’s decision lacks any theoretical basis and may be a strategic move aimed at gaining support both inside and outside the party.
Another analyst argued that since debates around republic, federalism, and secularism have long been stalled within the Congress party, currently divided into two factions, Deuba is seeking to portray his faction as the ‘true Congress’ by appealing to Hindu sentiments.
The Sunday gathering also recalled the national unity and reconciliation policy adopted by VP Koirala when he returned from exile in 2033 BS (1976 AD), passing a proposal to engage in dialogue with “national and democratic forces.”
A Nepali Congress leader, known for advocating Hindu nationhood within the party, described Deuba’s latest stance as positive. The leader emphasized the importance of recognizing the “monarchical heritage of national unity” and Sanatan Dharma’s political and diplomatic significance without delay.
Benefit or Drawback?
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Political scientist Lokraj Baral described Deuba’s recent remarks as a “regression,” distancing them from the Congress party’s core principles.
He said, “They have resorted to cheap tactics by carrying the agenda of Hindu identity, hoping to gather some support inside and outside. There is no principled foundation to it.”
Baral recalled that VP Koirala had expressed in an interview with Weekly Mirror that declaring Nepal a Hindu nation would be a “betrayal,” a perspective also reflected in his writings. He indicated that Deuba’s understanding contradicts VP’s policy.
He sees Deuba’s faction’s move as detrimental. “Their justification had run out, and after failing to gain traction, they resorted to religion. Many were unhappy with this; they could not rebel, but they are not pleased with the decision. This will not work in their favor.”
“Currently, there is a Hindu nation lobby in Nepal, whether fully understood or not. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party governs India, there might be indirect support, so they try to please those quarters. There’s no other basis.”
Rethinking Secularism
According to the 2021 census, 81.2% of Nepal’s population identify as Hindu; Buddhists constitute 8.2%, Muslims 5.1%, Kirat 3.2%, and Christians 1.8%.
Journalist Yubaraj Ghimire noted that in the past, secularism was declared without adequate dialogue, leading many to perceive it as anti-Hindu. Following electoral defeats, Deuba is attempting to realign with Hindu sentiments.
“Since secularism was declared abruptly, many regarded it as opposition to Hinduism. Hence, Deuba now asserts that they are not anti-Hindu but Hindu themselves,” Ghimire explained.
The Nepali Congress, which had halted internal debates on republic, secularism, and federalism in the past, has now entered a new phase of debate aligned with Gagan Thapa’s faction, attempting to assert itself as the real Congress.
Reconciliation With Whom?
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Within the Nepali Congress, a faction has long demanded the removal of secularism.
After returning home, Deuba expressed his commitment to national consensus in favor of democracy, nationalism, and reconciliation.
Journalist Ghimire believes that faction is attempting to touch on VP Koirala’s policy of reconciliation in a roundabout way.
“Politics is not about circumlocution. Policies need to be clear, derived from serious debate. VP worked with certain powers; this is a circumlocutory effort,” he said.
Potential for Collaboration With the Former Monarchy
Politically, if the idea of collaboration with the former monarchy is accepted, Deuba’s faction might advance dialogue with former royalist groups in the future, according to journalist Ghimire.
Upon his return, Deuba addressed his supporters, suggesting that even former King Gyanendra had been unable to imprison him on corruption charges, insinuating that no one else could either.
He recalled being charged but ultimately acquitted by the court, while criticizing King Gyanendra for standing against democracy.
Political analyst Baral observed that support for royalist forces is declining and that he sees little chance any faction within Congress would seriously consider reinstating a constitutional monarchy.
He added, “Using the Hindu nation slogan may attract some votes and increase minor support, but restoring the monarchy is a major issue. No one restores an institution whose relevance has been lost.”
Leaders’ Perspectives on Deuba’s Recent Position
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After the special convention where Gagan Thapa’s faction took over party leadership, many leaders close to Deuba left the party. Now, Deuba, at his group’s meeting, openly spoke of being Hindu, even referring to his marriage and vows.
He stressed that decisions on Nepal’s future belong to its citizens and said no one should be told not to be Hindu. He expressed reverence for Lord Pashupatinath’s worship and conveyed goodwill towards Buddhism, affirming respect for Buddhist faith.
The proposal passed by the gathering includes the commitment to acknowledge “Sanatan-based religion and culture as the national identity.”
“The gathering underscores the continued religious tolerance, social harmony, and the freedom for every individual and religious community to practice their faith in Nepal, while pledging to protect Sanatan Dharma and promote it as the nation’s identity,” it stated.
After his treatment abroad, Deuba had issued a statement expressing that he was returning not merely as a leader but as a lifelong citizen of a great nation.
However, upon reengaging politically, he attended and spoke at his faction’s national gathering.
Shankar Bhandari, a leader supporting Hindu nation within Nepali Congress, viewed Deuba’s understanding positively as a sign of change.
He said, “Not accepting Sanatan Dharma and failing to recognize the monarchy as a national unity institution has deepened disputes in parties and caused divisions in society.”
“Therefore, it is fair to call this an internal realization rather than a compulsion. Embracing essential matters is relevant and justified.”
Bhandari believes Deuba has embraced both the monarchy and Sanatan Dharma deeply, seeking to unite the party and link the decision to the nation’s interests.